Multipurpose furniture and cover

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an article of furniture capable of use for a variety of purposes. The present invention may function as, for example, a footrest, a seat, a table and/or as a stepstool. The present invention requires little space and is capable of placement in small areas. Larger embodiments may function as sofas and/or coffee tables. The present invention may also be customized in a number of ways to suit individual preferences. The present invention is light, compact and easily transported. In addition, the present invention maintains its shape without using a frame.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of furnitureand, in particular, to multipurpose furniture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In general, most furniture is designed for a specific purpose. Achair is intended for single occupancy seating, a couch or sofa formultiple occupancy seating or individual reclining. Tables are notintended for use as seats, nor are chairs intended for use as tables.Because of this, multiple articles of furniture are required to performmultiple functions. Additionally, most articles of furniture arecumbersome, difficult to store and move.

[0003] Although the use of multiple articles of furniture is not usuallya problem, whenever space constraints become an issue, such as in anefficiency apartment or a dorm room, choices must be made concerning therelative importance of one type of furniture over another. For example,in an efficiency apartment, often a person's bed will be the onlyseating available in the general living area. Having guests isproblematic. There may not be enough space for another seat.

[0004] Dorm rooms have a similar problem. In addition, college studentscan change rooms from year to year, sometimes from semester to semester.Bulky furniture not only rarely fits into a dorm room but also can be anightmare to move. Stairs increase the moving problems; large, heavyfurniture is extremely difficult to transport up and down stairs.Although some lightweight furniture exists, it is usually limited in itsfunctionality, still requiring multiple pieces to perform multiplefunctions. Additionally, most furniture requires a support frame,thereby adding to its weight.

[0005] Finally, people prefer furniture that expresses their individualtastes. Most furniture may fulfill this requirement when it ispurchased, but sometimes tastes, circumstances and surroundings change.It is usually quite difficult and costly to modify furniture. The leastexpensive method would be to purchase a slipcover for a couch or a seator a tablecloth for a table. This also limits the choices to materialsavailable for purchase.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for furniture that can perform avariety of functions. There is a need for furniture that requires littlespace and is capable of easy placement in small areas. Additionally,there is a need for furniture that is light, compact and easilytransported. Finally, there is a need for furniture that can becustomized to suit individual preferences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides an article of furniture capable ofuse for a variety of purposes. The present invention may function as,for example, a footrest, a seat, a table and/or as a stepstool. Thepresent invention requires little space and is capable of placement insmall areas. Larger embodiments may function as sofas and/or coffeetables. The present invention may also be customized in a number of waysto suit individual preferences. The present invention is light, compactand easily transported. In addition, the present invention maintains itsshape without using a frame.

[0008] More specifically, the present invention provides an article offurniture made of two triangular components, each with a rectangularbase, a rectangular back, a rectangular face, and two diametrictriangular sides. The second triangular component is attached to thefirst triangular component along the intersection of the base and faceof the first triangular component and the back and face of the secondtriangular component.

[0009] The present invention also provides an article of furniture madeof two triangular components, each with a rectangular base, arectangular back, a rectangular face, and two diametric triangularsides. The second triangular component is attached by a cover to thefirst triangular component along the intersection of the base and faceof the first triangular component and the back and face of the secondtriangular component. The cover may be removable.

[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an articleof furniture made of two triangular components, each with a rectangularbase, a rectangular back, a rectangular face, and two diametrictriangular sides. The second triangular component is attached to thefirst triangular component along the intersection of the base and faceof the first triangular component and the back and face of the secondtriangular component. One or both of the two main triangular componentsmay also have a rigid insert.

[0011] In addition, the present invention provides an article offurniture made of two triangular components, each with a rectangularbase, a rectangular back, a rectangular face, and two diametrictriangular sides. The second triangular component is attached to thefirst triangular component along the intersection of the base and faceof the first triangular component and the back and face of the secondtriangular component. One or both of the two main triangular componentsmay also have an action activated recording.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and further advantages of the present invention may beunderstood by referring to the following description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which corresponding numerals in thedifferent figures refer to the corresponding parts in which:

[0013]FIGS. 1A and 1B depicts an illustration of an embodiment of thepresent invention in an open configuration (seat) and a semi-closedconfiguration (table);

[0014]FIG. 2 depicts an illustration of another embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0015]FIG. 3 depicts an illustration of another embodiment of thepresent invention; and

[0016]FIGS. 4A and 4B depict an illustration of another embodiment ofthe present invention in an open configuration (sofa) and a semi-closedconfiguration (coffee table).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed herein in terms of an article of furniture, itshould be appreciated that the present invention provides manyapplicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety ofspecific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merelyillustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and are notmeant to limit its scope in any way.

[0018] The present invention provides an article of furniture capable ofuse for a variety of purposes. The present invention may function as,for example, a footrest, a seat, a table and/or as a stepstool. Thepresent invention requires little space and is capable of placement insmall areas. Larger embodiments may function as sofas and/or coffeetables. The present invention may also be customized in a number of waysto suit individual preferences. The present invention is light, compactand easily transported. In addition, the present invention maintains itsshape without using a frame.

[0019]FIG. 1A depicts an illustration of an embodiment of the presentinvention in an open configuration (seat). Article of furniture 100comprises first triangular component 102 with first rectangular base105, first rectangular back 110, first rectangular face 115, firsttriangular side 120 and a second triangular side (not shown). Firstrectangular face 115 is contiguous with both first rectangular base 105and first rectangular back 110. The second triangular side (not shown)is diametric to first triangular side 120. Second triangular component132 has second rectangular back 135, second rectangular base 140, secondrectangular face 145, third triangular side 150 and a fourth triangularside (not shown). Second rectangular face 145 is contiguous with bothsecond rectangular back 135 and second rectangular base 140. The fourthtriangular side (not shown) is diametric to first triangular side 150.First triangular component 102 is hingedly attached to second triangularcomponent 132 at intersection 190 of first rectangular base 105, firstrectangular face 115, second rectangular base 140 and second rectangularface 145.

[0020] The hinge at intersection 190 can be an integrated hinge. Inother words, it can be of the same material as first triangularcomponent 102 and second triangular component 132 and part of thestructure of first triangular component 102 and second triangularcomponent 132. An integrated hinge would form first triangular component102 and second triangular component 132 into a single unit. The hingeprevents the separation of first triangular component 102 from secondtriangular component 132. For example, when used as a seating apparatus,the hinge can be beneath the seat occupant. This prevents the components102 and 132 from separating and allowing the seat occupant to slipbetween the components 102 and 132 and sit on the floor. Alternativelyand/or additionally, a cover can form the hinge at intersection 190. Thecover can be one continuous piece of material that completely encasesboth first triangular component 102 and second triangular component 132.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1A, the present invention can be used as aseating apparatus. The seat-bottom is second triangular component 132,while the seatback is first triangular component 102. First rectangularbase 105 and second rectangular base 140 are placed in contact with asurface, such as a floor. The seat occupant would rest upon secondrectangular face 145 and against first rectangular face 115. The seatingapparatus is free-standing; it does not need to be placed againstanother object, such as a wall, to maintain the seatback in an uprightposition.

[0022] First triangular component 102 and second triangular component132 may be made of a variety of materials, such as foam rubber andmolded plastic. The material should be formed into each component 102and 132 and should hold the component shape independently. The materialused should provide enough strength to prevent significant deformation.In other words, article of furniture 100 should not conspicuously changeshape when in use. Further, the material used should not inhibittransportability. Additionally, a cover may be used. This cover, whenused, can provide the hinge at intersection 190, attaching firsttriangular component 102 and second triangular component 132. The covermay be of any material and in any pattern. The cover may also benon-flammable.

[0023]FIG. 1B depicts an illustration of an embodiment of the presentinvention in a semi-closed configuration (table). Article of furniture100 is shown in its closed, or storage position. In this position,article of furniture 100 can also function as a footrest, a stool, atable or a stepstool. When first triangular component 102 and secondtriangular component 132 are folded at intersection 190, such thatsecond rectangular face 145 of second triangular component 132 meets therectangular face (not shown) of first triangular component 102, thetable configuration of the article of furniture 100 is formed. Use as atable or stepstool can be enhanced by the addition of a rigid insertinto one or more of the external areas, such as 105, 110 and/or 140. Itmay also be possible to reinforce external areas such as 120 and 150 bythe addition of a rigid insert. The material of the rigid inserts canbe, for example, cardboard, particleboard and plexiglass. The rigidinsert may be placed beneath a cover or simply affixed to the surface ofarticle of furniture 100.

[0024]FIG. 2 depicts an illustration of another of the presentinvention. The seat-bottom is second triangular component 232, while theseatback is first triangular component 202. First rectangular base 205and second rectangular base 240 are placed in contact with a surface,such as a floor. The seat occupant would rest upon second rectangularface 245 and against first rectangular face 215. The seating apparatusis free-standing; it does not need to be placed against another object,such as a wall, to maintain the seatback in an upright position.

[0025] First triangular component 202 and second triangular component232 may be made of a variety of materials, such as foam rubber andmolded plastic. The material should be formed into each component 202and 232 and should hold the component shape independently. The materialused should provide enough strength to prevent significant deformation.In other words, article of furniture 200 should not conspicuously changeshape when in use. Further, the material used should not inhibittransportability. Additionally, a cover may be used. This cover, whenused, can provide the hinge at intersection 290, attaching firsttriangular component 202 and second triangular component 232. The covermay be of any material and in any pattern. The cover may also benon-flammable.

[0026] Article of furniture 200 can be customized by changing the cover(not shown) or by, for example, the addition of one or more insertwrappers 275. The material of insert wrappers 275 should be see-throughsuch that whatever is placed in them can be viewed. They can be made ofsuch materials as clear vinyl and plastic. When used to line article offurniture 200 as shown in FIG. 2, the material used for insert wrappers275 should not be rigid such that it degrades the comfort of the seat.Insert wrappers 275 may be affixed to article of furniture 200 in avariety of ways, such as snaps, zippers, thread, and VELCRO. Any edge ofinsert wrappers 275 may be detached from article of furniture 200 toallow insertion of consumer-selected decorative accents. Whichever edgeof insert wrappers 275 is detached from article of furniture 200 may beleft detached or re-affixed to seal in their contents. A consumer canplace items such as different materials and pictures, in insert wrappers275, thereby changing the appearance of article of furniture 200. Insertwrappers 275 are shown as being attached to first rectangular face 215of first triangular component 202 and second rectangular face 245 ofsecond triangular component 232. First triangular component 202 andsecond triangular component 232 are hinged at intersection 290. Ifarticle of furniture is closed, as in FIG. 1B, the individualcustomization will not be visible. Therefore, insert wrappers 275 mayalso be placed on any plane, such as 205, 210, 215, 220, 235, 240, 245and 250 of article of furniture 200.

[0027]FIG. 3 depicts an illustration of another embodiment of thepresent invention. The seat-bottom is second triangular component 332,while the seatback is first triangular component 302. First rectangularbase 305 and second rectangular base 340 are placed in contact with asurface, such as a floor. The seat occupant would rest upon secondrectangular face 345 and against first rectangular face 315. The seatingapparatus is free-standing; it does not need to be placed againstanother object, such as a wall, to maintain the seatback in an uprightposition.

[0028] First triangular component 302 and second triangular component332 may be made of a variety of materials, such as foam rubber andmolded plastic. The material should be formed into each component 302and 332 and should hold the component shape independently. The materialused should provide enough strength to prevent significant deformation.In other words, article of furniture 300 should not conspicuously changeshape when in use. Further, the material used should not inhibittransportability. Additionally, a cover may be used. This cover, whenused, can provide the hinge at intersection 390, attaching firsttriangular component 302 and second triangular component 332. The covermay be of any material and in any pattern. The cover may also benon-flammable.

[0029] Action activated recordings 375 have been added to article offurniture 300. Action activated recordings 375 can be any form ofrecordable or re-recordable media that emits an audible message whenactivated. They can be any shape. Action activated recordings 375 may bepre-recorded or may enable the consumer to change the message. Actionactivated recordings 375 are shown as being attached to firstrectangular face 315 of first triangular component 302 and secondrectangular face 345 of second triangular component 332. Actionactivated recordings 375 may be affixed in a variety of ways, such assnapped on, sewn-on and attached with VELCRO. When placed on eitherfirst rectangular face 315 or second rectangular face 345, actionactivated recordings 375 may activate when article of furniture 300 ischanged from the closed position of FIG. 1B to the open position ofFIGS. 1A, 2, and 3. Action activated recordings 375 may also be placedon any plane, such as 305, 310, 315, 320, 335, 340, 345 and 350 ofarticle of furniture 300. Action activated recordings 375 may beactivated by either movement or voice.

[0030]FIG. 4A depicts an illustration of an embodiment of the presentinvention in an open configuration (sofa). Article of furniture 400comprises first triangular component 402 with first rectangular base405, first rectangular back 410, first rectangular face 415, firsttriangular side 420 and a second triangular side (not shown). Firstrectangular face 415 is contiguous with both first rectangular base 405and first rectangular back 410. The second triangular side (not shown)is diametric to first triangular side 420. Second triangular component432 has second rectangular back 435, second rectangular base 440, secondrectangular face 445, third triangular side 450 and a fourth triangularside (not shown). Second rectangular face 445 is contiguous with bothsecond rectangular base 435 and second rectangular base 440. The fourthtriangular side (not shown) is diametric to first triangular side 450.First triangular component 402 is hingedly attached to second triangularcomponent 432 at intersection 490 of first rectangular base 405, firstrectangular face 415, second rectangular base 440 and second rectangularface 445.

[0031] The hinge at intersection 490 can be an integrated hinge. Inother words, it can be of the same material as first triangularcomponent 402 and second triangular component 432 and part of thestructure of first triangular component 402 and second triangularcomponent 432. An integrated hinge would form first triangular component402 and second triangular component 432 into a single unit. The hingeprevents the separation of first triangular component 402 from secondtriangular component 432. For example, when used as a seating apparatus,the hinge can be beneath the seat occupant. This prevents the components402 and 432 from separating and allowing the seat occupant to slipbetween the components 402 and 432 and sit on the floor. Alternativelyand/or additionally, a cover can form the hinge at intersection 490. Thecover can be one continuous piece of material that completely encasesboth first triangular component 402 and second triangular component 432.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4A, the present invention can be used as aseating apparatus. The sofa-bottom is second triangular component 432,while the sofa-back is first triangular component 402. First rectangularbase 405 and second rectangular base 440 are placed in contact with asurface, such as a floor. The sofa occupants would rest upon secondrectangular face 445 and against first rectangular face 415. The seatingapparatus is free-standing; it does not need to be placed againstanother object, such as a wall, to maintain the seatback in an uprightposition.

[0033]FIG. 4B depicts an illustration of an embodiment of the presentinvention in a semi-closed configuration (coffee table). Article offurniture 400 is shown in its closed, or storage position. In thisposition, article of furniture 400 can also function as a bench, afootrest, a stool, a table or a stepstool. When first triangularcomponent 402 and second triangular component 432 are folded atintersection 490, such that second rectangular face 445 of secondtriangular component 432 meets the rectangular face (not shown) of firsttriangular component 402, the coffee table configuration of the articleof furniture 400 is formed. Use as a table or stepstool can be enhancedby the addition of a rigid insert into one or more of the externalareas, such as 405, 410 and/or 440. It may also be possible to reinforceexternal areas such as 420 and 450 by the addition of a rigid insert.The material of the rigid inserts can be, for example, cardboard,particleboard and plexiglass. The rigid insert may be placed beneath acover or simply affixed to the surface of article of furniture 400.

[0034] While specific alternatives to steps of the present inventionhave been described herein, additional alternatives not specificallydisclosed but known in the art are intended to fall within the scope ofthis invention. Thus, it is understood that other applications of thepresent invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon thereading of the described embodiments and a consideration of the appendedclaims and drawings.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of furniture comprising: a firsttriangular component comprising a first rectangular base, a firstrectangular back, a first rectangular face, a first triangular side anda second triangular side, the second triangular side diametric to thefirst triangular side; a second triangular component comprising a secondrectangular base, a second rectangular back, a second rectangular face,a third triangular side and a fourth triangular side, the fourthtriangular side diametric to the third triangular side; and a hingeattached to the first triangular component along the intersection of thefirst rectangular base and the first rectangular face, the hinge furtherattached to the second triangular component along the intersection ofthe second rectangular back and the second rectangular face.
 2. Thearticle of furniture as recited in claim 1 wherein the hinge isstructurally integrated into the first triangular component along theintersection of the first rectangular base and the first rectangularface, the hinge further structurally integrated into the secondtriangular component along the intersection of the second rectangularback and the second rectangular face.
 3. The article of furniture asrecited in claim 1 wherein the first triangular component and the secondtriangular component comprise foam rubber.
 4. The article of furnitureas recited in claim 1 wherein the first triangular component and thesecond triangular component comprise molded plastic.
 5. The article offurniture as recited in claim 1 further comprising a cover.
 6. Thearticle of furniture as recited in claim 1 wherein the hinge is a coverenclosing the first triangular component and the second triangularcomponent.
 7. The article of furniture as recited in claim 5 wherein thecover is removable.
 8. The article of furniture as recited in claim 5wherein the cover comprises a zipped envelope.
 9. The article offurniture as recited in claim 5 wherein the cover comprises a fiberattached envelope.
 10. The article of furniture as recited in claim 5wherein the cover further comprises one or more insertion wrappers. 11.The article of furniture as recited in claim 1 further comprising one ormore rigid inserts in the first triangular component.
 12. The article offurniture as recited in claim 1 further comprising one or more rigidinserts in the second triangular component.
 13. The article of furnitureas recited in claim 1 further comprising one or more insertion wrappersattached to the first triangular component.
 14. The article of furnitureas recited in claim 1 further comprising one or more insertion wrappersattached to the second triangular component.
 15. The article offurniture as recited in claim 1 further comprising one or more actionactivated recordings in the first triangular component.
 16. The articleof furniture as recited in claim 1 further comprising one or more actionactivated recordings in the second triangular component.
 17. An articleof furniture comprising: a first triangular component comprising a firstrectangular base, a first rectangular back, a first rectangular face, afirst triangular side and a second triangular side, the secondtriangular side diametric to the first triangular side; a secondtriangular component comprising a second rectangular base, a secondrectangular back, a second rectangular face, a third triangular side anda fourth triangular side, the fourth triangular side diametric to thethird triangular side; and a cover enclosing the first triangularcomponent and the second triangular component, the cover hingedlyattaching the second triangular component to the first triangularcomponent along the intersection of the first rectangular base, thefirst rectangular face, the second rectangular back and the secondrectangular face.
 18. The article of furniture as recited in claim 17further comprising one or more insertion wrappers in the cover.
 19. Thearticle of furniture as recited in claim 17 further comprising one ormore action activated recordings in the cover.
 20. An article offurniture comprising: a first triangular foam rubber componentcomprising a first rectangular base, a first rectangular back, a firstrectangular face, a first triangular side and a second triangular side,the second triangular side diametric to the first triangular side; asecond triangular foam rubber component comprising a second rectangularbase, a second rectangular back, a second rectangular face, a thirdtriangular side and a fourth triangular side, the fourth triangular sidediametric to the third triangular side; and a cover enclosing the firsttriangular foam rubber component and the second foam rubber triangularcomponent, the cover hingedly attaching the second triangular foamrubber component to the first triangular foam rubber component along theintersection of the first rectangular base, the first rectangular face,the second rectangular back and the second rectangular face.